Of all the varieties of meat is about pork being the most heated debates. These arguments relate primarily to the impact of the pork dishes on health, as well as religious taboos: that pork dishes are very tasty, almost all agree. So whether or not to include pork in your diet, or better to do without this kind of meat?

Religious restrictions

Almost all religions are somehow restrict the diet of believers. Such restrictions may be more or less stringent, for example, periodic fasting or permanently abandon certain foods. Interestingly, in most cases, are banned animal products. For example, Muslims and Jews in the food can not eat pork.

The nature of these bans seems rather vague. What is guided by the prophets, denying his flock in the fragrant dishes of pork, it is impossible to say today. There are versions that so religious teacher could keep his followers, for example, from parasites that may be in enough well-done meat. Or maybe the fact that the products of animal origin at all times were not cheap, and the authorities were trying to reduce the amount of offense to his subjects.

Anyway, today, many people refuse to use pork for religious reasons. Others avoid eating pork products from other considerations.

Opinion of doctors

So it happened that pork is considered to be the most difficult, fat and unhealthy meat. Juicy pork chops - a favorite "horror stories" nutritionists. Pork imposed serious allegations: this kind of meat excessive calories, it is very much fat, pork is hard to digest, it contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis - when problems with blood vessels . But is it really?

Of course, the lean meat of pork is difficult to call: fat it contains plenty. But pork fat is fairly easy to digest - it is easier, for example, than beef. So notorious chop for lunch does not necessarily cause a heaviness in the stomach and other unpleasant symptoms, unless, of course, do not overeat.

The pork contains a considerable amount of vitamins B, which is not typical of other kinds of meat. Also pork is an excellent source of zinc. Even bacon can not be named uniquely harmful product - it contains unique substances that are useful for health.

At the same time if not properly cooked pork can actually harm health. For example, you can not cook pork, beef, "blood" - in neprozharennoe chops can contain harmful bacteria and even parasite eggs. Therefore, heat treatment is required for pork.

Fatty pieces of pork are not recommended suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and especially of the liver and biliary tract. Not recommended dishes of pork and those who have atherosclerosis, or kidney disease. Dieters should opt for low-fat meat of young.

Secrets of the popularity

Pork has a lot of fans around the world: it is impossible to imagine without this kind of meat Chinese, German, Ukrainian and Czech cuisine. Even in other countries where there is no religious ban on eating pork, this meat are very supportive.

Such love is not accidental: pork has a relatively loose structure, so dishes from her always turn soft, gentle. In addition, the preparation of pork takes much less time than, for example, for cooking beef. Pork equally well in hot or cold. To prepare this kind of meat can be a variety of ways: fried, stewed, baked, smoked.

Pork thanks to its neutral taste blends well with other kinds of meat, vegetables, cereals, pasta. Therefore, the range of dishes from pork unusually wide, and these dishes differ a surprising variety. Pork - an indispensable accessory festive table, a variety of meats, hams and sausages adorn any meal.

Cooking Tips

To spoil a dish of pork is difficult. But ways to make the dish even tastier, more tender and more interesting, there are many.

For example, in the eastern cuisines in cooking pork is often used such methods as the pickling and soaking. Goals thus vary: sometimes thus accelerate the preparation of meat, pork sometimes give a new special flavor, and sometimes increase the digestibility of food. For example, pickling necessarily at barbecue Barbecue   or other dishes on the fire properly prepared pork will cook faster, and thus, will remain juicy and tender.

For pork is better absorbed, it is usually prepared with acidic foods. For example, in Germany and the Slavic countries like combine pork with sauerkraut, and in China - with pickled vegetables. No less successful combination of pork with apples, tomatoes, onions, peppers.

Spices for pork suitable variety. Proponents of minimalist limited to salt and black pepper, fans of Oriental cuisine will choose ginger, cinnamon, soy sauce, and even sugar. Good with pork and herbs - thyme, marjoram, tarragon, celery, caraway. There is also a conventional additives include paprika, chili pepper, nutmeg and garlic.

The marinade can be used as a wine: white, red or pink. Excellent taste is pork, braised in beer and kvass Russian kvass: ideal for summer . A taste of Cognac make pork is particularly expressive.

It is best to work out courses of young pork with soft elastic pink meat with a thin layer of fat. Because of such meat obtained especially sweet dishes cooked in the oven, in a pan, on skewers or on the grill. Dark meat with several films rougher taste, it is best to put out, and do not fry or bake.

Maria Bykov

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